Buying a saddle isnt easy: the choice of saddles for horse and ponies is huge, the price tags are hefty and theres a lot to consider in order to find the best one for you and your horse. It wont be until you actually ride in the saddle that youll know whether its the right one, but there are things to think about before you get to this stage to help make the decision process easier.Firstly, take a bit of time to consider exactly what it is you want in a saddle; secondly, set your budget and stick to it. Its so easy to get carried away in the moment and end up spending far more money than you want to; remember the second-hand saddles market is large and a great place to look too. Different types and brands of saddles fit some horses better than others; be led by fit, not cost expensive doesnt always mean better.Types of saddleWith your budget decided, you need to decide what type of saddle youre going to be shopping for:General purpose (GP) saddlesGeneral purpose saddles are designed so you can do most disciplines in them, from hacking to jumping and dressage.Many riders will go for this option, as it means you only need one saddle. However, if you compete regularly you may consider looking at a discipline-specific saddle to give you the support and security you need.Dressage saddlesAs the name suggests, a dressage saddle is designed for dressage and flatwork.The saddle flap is longer and straighter, encouraging you to ride with a long leg position and the seat tends to be deeper to help you maintain a correct position.Theres the option of having large fixed knee blocks through to smaller moveable blocks so you can find the most comfortable position for you.To enable you to have a closer leg contact, the girth straps are long with the buckles beneath your foot so that there is no bulk under your leg. The buckles are much lower down compared to a GP saddle, which may mean you need a helper on the ground to tighten your girth for you.Jump saddlesA jumping saddle is more forward cut so you can ride with shorter stirrups and still have support for your knees. This style of saddle willnormally have knee and thigh blocks positioned to help you stay secure and supported when jumping. A jump saddle often hasa flatter seat compared to other styles, to give riders a little more freedom when riding cross-country. I remember leaning right back as my horse leapt down a drop once, and my body protector caught on the cantle of my GP saddle. It knocked me off balance and I managed to stay on (just!) swapping to a jumping saddle with a flatter cantle fixed the problem.Showing saddlesA showing saddle is designed to complement a horses conformation. They tend to be straight cut and basic in design, so they allow total freedom of movement and show your horse off at their best imperative in the show ring.Leather saddle or synthetic saddle?The material your saddle is made from is another important consideration in your buying-a-saddle journey.Leather saddles are still the preferred choice for a lot of riders and there are many different types of leather used to make saddles, from some that give you a grippy feel to softer, smooth leathers. You can expect to pay more for a leather saddle, and you will need to look after it well. Regular cleaning and conditioning is required to keep your saddle in good condition. Take good care of your leather saddle and it will last for years.Leather saddles are usually heavier than synthetic, but this does depend a little on the tree thats used.Thanks to the use of modern materials, synthetic saddles now look like leather but are lightweight, durable and easy to look after a quick wipe with a damp cloth does the job. The other big advantage of a synthetic saddle is the price tag; they are considerably cheaper than leather. There are some great options for synthetic saddles from Thorowgood, Tekna, Wintec, Collegiate and Premier Equine.If youre not convinced a synthetic saddle is for you, there are a few manufacturers that produce saddles that use both leather and synthetic materials:Teknas LeTek range combines the softness of leather with the durability and low maintenance of synthetic material. The seat, seat flap, flap and upper panels are made from leather. The underflap and bottom panels are synthetic.Thorowgood T8 Saddles have quality leather on the seat, kneepads and trim to give the feel of an all-leather saddle.John Whitaker International produces a range of saddles that include the Harrogate dressage, Bedale GP Jump and Overton Jumping that are a leather and synthetic mix. The outer is covered in soft, comfortable, durable leather while the under-panel of the saddle is made from a synthetic, wipe-clean material.Saddles with a changeable gulletThe overall design of saddles and the methods used to make them have changed very little over the years. Most saddles are handmade by highly skilled craftsmen, many of them in the UK. What has changed is the development of clever modern features that enhance the fit of the saddle. The aim of these is to make sure you and your horse are as comfortable as possible so you can both concentrate and enjoy yourselves.A saddle with a changeable gullet enables the width of the saddle to be altered quickly and easily if your horse changes shape. Essentially, this could mean that one saddle will last your horse a lifetime, or if you buy a new horse, it could mean that your saddle can be altered to fit them too, saving you money on buying a new saddle.Many of the well-known saddle brands produce saddles with changeable gullets, including:WintecThorowgoodBatesFairfaxJohn Whitaker InternationalTeknaGFSCollegiateKent & MastersAlbion Saddlemakers developed its Adjusta-Tree, which is believed to be the first British precision-engineered adjustable wooden saddle tree. The Adjusta-Tree has been specifically designed for adjustment using pressure by any Albion saddle fitter. The fitting can be altered without damage or distortion to the headplates or rivets of the tree using Albion-approved pressure systems, while the train remains within the saddle.The Platinum range from Albion Saddles goes one step further, with an interchangeable tree and a switch panel that allows the width and the saddle panels to be changed for improved fit. These can only be changed by an approved Albion stockist.The Easy-Change Fit Solution in Wintec and Bates saddles allows you to select the optimal tree width for your horses current shape and muscling with the Easy-Change Gullet System, or make adjustments to the saddle panel for optimal balance and clearance with the Easy-Change Riser System.Saddle flockingWool is the most widely used material for flocking saddle panels. Flocking can easily be added or removed to ensure a good fit by a qualified saddle fitter.However, there are a few alternatives. CAIR Cushion System in Bates and Wintec saddles is two independently sealed air cushions in each saddle panel, with the air providing cushioning for your horse.Being a fluid medium, air constantly adapts to your horses muscles as they work. Once you are in the saddle the air moves to hug your horses shape and distributes your weight evenly over the entire bearing area of the saddle panel.This eliminates pressure points, supports muscles during work, absorbs shock and aids correct muscle development.Flair panels is a system of four adjustable airbags (two at the front, two at the back) that replace the flocking your saddle. These provide a soft, flexible and even weight-bearing surface and can be fitted to all conventional saddles. Each individual airbag can be altered to give a customised fit.Flair panels give your saddle a constant flexible layer of air that absorbs shock, allowing your horse to move more naturally because the muscles of his back and shoulder arent restricted.Buying a second-hand saddleThere is a huge market for second-hand saddles, and well worth considering if you are on the look out for a new saddle. The perk, of course, is that you can often pick up a really nice saddle for a much lower price than buying it new. Saddle fitters often keep a selection of second-hand saddles, which they will bring with them to a saddle fitting. This is a good way to buy second hand, as you know youll be buying a saddle that is in good working order and it will be checked as being a good fit for you and your horse.There are also a few online companies that specialise in second-hand saddles. They have a large selection available and offer a trial period and fitting service too. Take a look at The Saddle Bank and Saddles Direct.If you are buying privately saddles are often sold between riders at yards or via social media and online adverts run through our list of things to check before parting with your money:1 How does it look?Assess the overall appearance of the saddle. If its been well looked after, the leather should feel soft and supple.2 Is it worn?Check for areas of wear. Girth straps are the most likely place to show cracked or worn leather/material.3 Whats the damage?Look for any scuffs, scratches or damage to the pommel and cantle. These could indicate the saddle has been dropped or damaged.4 Check the treeCheck the tree isnt broken by holding the saddle lengthwise with the pommel against your thigh. Grip the cantle and gently pull it towards you. A sound tree will flex a little, but if theres an excessive amount of give, it may mean the trees damaged and shouldnt be used. If youre unsure, ask a qualified saddle fitter to check it for you.5 Has the saddle had work done?If you see signs of repair, ask the seller why and when this was done.6 Look out for rotCheck for signs of loose or rotting stitching on your girth straps and d-rings.7 Quiz the sellerWhat has the saddle been used for and how often in the past? Has it ever been dropped? How has it been stored? Why are they selling it? They may not tell you the truth, of course, but its good to try and get a good understanding of the saddles background.8 Try it on your horseYou dont truly know whether a saddle is going to fit your horse well, until youve ridden in it.This can be tricky to negotiate if you are buying privately through an online advert, but its really important to make sure the fit is spot on. Arrange for a qualified saddle fitter to come out and assess it for you. If you can have the saddle on trial or with the arrangement of a refund if it doesnt fit, that would work well. Otherwise, you may need to take your horse with you to pick the saddle up.Related contentSaddle fit: how to check its correct for you and your horse *VIDEO*Buyer beware: how to make sure youre not buying a stolen saddleBridle fit and horse head anatomy: everything you need to know *VIDEO*The post Buying a saddle? Essential guide to choosing the right one for you and your horse appeared first on Your Horse.

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As a horse owner, I am sure I am not alone in the daily concern about my horse. Worrying about if we are giving them the right feed, using the right bit. Does the saddle fit? Am I a good enough rider? Am I doing him/her justice? Does my horse actually like me?Do I deserve such a nice horse? If your horse seems out of sorts, do your thoughts go the worst possible scenario, causing sleepless nights, and a load of anxiety, taking over your everyday life?When you worry, your nervous system goes into survival mode, looking out for danger. Your adrenalin spikes, and logical thought goes out of the window. It is impossible to think rationally when your primal instinct is to fight, flee or fight kicks in. Panicking can lead to poor decision making, so prioritise a sense of calm, deep breaths, slowing your heart rate, before making choices.So, lets break caring for your horse down into manageable chunks.Have you a support network you trust? Moral support comes from friends, practical guidance from your vet, trainer, dentist, and other professionals as required. Mind you, this in itself can cause anxiety. How many therapists do you actually need? It is easy to fall into the trap of too many cooks, so seek help on a logical basis, getting help on a as required basis.Keeping a horse diary, or daily journal can be a useful way to log what you did with your horse this week/month. Tips to logOutline your aims/goals, with a reality check on whether these are achievable or unrealistic. I am not one to dampen enthusiasm, but setting the goals too high only leads to disappointment, beating your self up for not being good enough. Note your thoughts about your horses behaviour. How does it feel when he greets you in the morning with his ears back? What does this mean to you, and what could he be telling you?Be aware of your emotional response your feelings/mood when you are with your horse, or thinking about things in the night. What stresses you? What makes you feel relaxed?Make a plan to work through the things that worry you, or frustrate you. I love a plan- it takes away the anxiety and gives you a focus on how to fix things. I challenge you to ask yourself: why do you choose to have a horse? Do the stresses of horse oenership out weight the pleasures?Caring for your horse is a big responsibility, but remembering tht you love your horse and enjoy his company is so important to balance things out. Listen to him, and trust he will let you know what he needs. Related contentHow to provide a stabled horse with the three Fs (and why its so important that you do)This is why feeding a horse from the floor is best practiceHorse behaviour explained: why everything they do has meaningLearn to read your horses body language with this adviceThe post Do you worry about your horse? Read this advice appeared first on Your Horse.

2026 Horse Sport Ireland Stallion SelectionsThe 2026 Horse Sport Ireland Stallion Selections took place over two days, the 26th and 27th of March, in Cavan Equestrian Centre. These selections are supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine Equine Technical Support fund.Across the two days, a total of 45 stallions were presented for inspection, 5 Irish Sport Horse stallions, 7 stallions from other studbooks, 2 Thoroughbred stallions, 3 pony stallions and 25 Irish Draught stallions eligible for Class 1 and 2, and one for the new Genomic Grade Up register.Of the 25 eligible Irish Draught stallions that presented, 12 met the inspection requirements to be awarded Class 1 status.Three high-performance stallions presented for linear profiling and and were Approved in the Irish Sport Horse Studbook having met all the veterinary and performance requirements.Of the 13 stallions that presented for Stage 1 assessment in the Irish Sport Horse Studbook, five of these met the requirements.There was one returning stallion who presented for Stage 2, having passed his Stage 1 assessment in 2024, and met the requirements to be classified as Preliminary Approved.The higher standard of young stallions presented in 2025, was continuedin 2026 with 12 stallions meeting the requirementsfor Class 1 in the Irish Draught Horse Studbook from the 25 candidatesforward who were eligible for Class 1 approval. It was good to see a rare bloodlineStallion Mizen Man with a low mean kinship meet the requirements as it will help broaden the geneticbase of the breed. It was also nice to see a red dun, two bays and a black stallion achieveClass 1 status as the breedis dominated by grey genes. Severalof the successfulhorses this year benefitedby being left to mature to 4 and 5 year olds before being presented. A lack of preparationon the loose jumping element of the inspection was evident in some of the 3 year old horses in particular. Liam Cotter, Irish Draught Studbook selection panel Chairperson.There were some very nice young stallions presented who all showed potential for the future. We hope the stallions we passed will all improve the quality and standard of the breed in Ireland. They certainly all have the potential to do so. Jack Doyle, Irish Sport Horse Studbook selection panel Chairperson.Chris Ryan, Irish Sport Horse Studbook inspector and TIH enthusiast said It is so heartening to see Tom Joness Carrick Diamond Royale earning his Preliminary Approved status last week following his successful Stage 2 assessment. Its been a great couple of seasons for traditional breeding, following the full approval of Liam O Mearas Sir Jim Jim and preliminary approval for Susan Malees Carrabeg The Full Irish last year. These are great examples of high-performance Traditional Irish breds, and have a lot to offer breeders aiming to breed Traditional Irish Horses.Carrick Diamond Royale (ISH)[TIH] warming up with his rider John Mulligan ahead of his successful Stage 2 assessment.Commenting on the 2026 inspections, Sonja Egan, HSI Head of Breeding, Innovation and Development, stated I am delighted with how the Stallion Selection days went last week. As promised, the heralded Irish Draught Day was kept together, and we had a wonderful turnout from Irish Draught breeders, whether travelling from West Cork, the Midlands, Great Britain, or Canada. We had an excellent day of sport horses to follow, with some great additions to our Stage One group of stallions, quality thoroughbreds, and a much-celebrated TIH Preliminary Approval. On Friday afternoon, we had the privilege of welcoming back several stallions for their full approval or the recognition of their new merits and star ratings a real testament to their breeders and producers.This year, we included the welcome addition of Mary Wilson (IDHS GB), Henk Dirksen (KWPN), and John Whitaker MBE (British Show Jumping multi -medallist, Olympian and breeder) to our panels; their contribution was hugely appreciated by breeders and the studbook alike, and we look forward to continuing this initiative in the years to come. It would be remiss of me not to thank the wider team within HSI who put this event on the road, as well as the wonderful community of people inspectors, arena party, commentary, photography, venue support, and many others without which we couldnt host this calibre of a Stallion Selection. It takes a team, and we have a great one!Henk Dirksen, Senior Stallion Inspector with the KWPN, John Whitaker, and Sonja Egan, HSI Head of Breeding, Innovation & Development at the 2026 Stallion SelectionsAmong the stallions awarded full approval was the high-performance stallion Fernando (HOLST) who was ridden by Johnny Pals for the Netherlands.His career saw him jump double clear in the 2016 Aga Khan Nations Cup at the RDS Dublin Horse Show.His own showjumping results earned him the 5* SJ OP merit.Fernando (HOLST) & Johnny Pals (NED) competing at the CSIO5* in Aachen in 2022; SportfotThere was also presentations made to Double Pleasure (BE/SIES), Castlefield Kingston (OS) and Bannvalley Whisper (IDC2) to acknowledge their official approval by the Irish Sport Pony and Irish Sport Horse Studbooks and a presentation made to Zapatero VDL (KWPN) in acknowledgment of his second 5* merit for his progeny. Having first received a 5* Merit in 2024 for his eventing progeny, he received a commemorative rug for his 5* SJ PP merit for his showjumping progeny. Zapatero VDL (KWPN) receiving his commemorative rug for his 5* SJ PP merit for his showjumping progeny.Pictured left to right, Henk Dirksen; Senior Stallion Inspector with the KWPN where Zapatero VDL is also Approved, Eamon McArdle; Drumhowan Stud, Sonja Egan; HSI Head of Breeding, Development & Innovation, and Gladys McArdle; Drumhowan Stud.APPROVEDStallion NameYOBSireDam SireOwnerClassificationAmhran Na Bhfiann (TB)2017Galileo (IRE) (TB)Green Desert (IRE) (TB)Scandinavian Equine Services ABApprovedDurango VDL (KWPN)2008Zirocco Blue VDL (SF)Lux Z (HANN)Castlefield Breeding FarmApproved 3* SJ OP & 3* SJ PPFernando (HOLST)2006For Pleasure (HANN)Corrado I (HOLST)Stoeterijf Black Horses & C.A.M v.d Oetelelaar & Drumhowan StudApproved 5* SJ OPPRELIMINARY APPROVEDStallion NameYOBSireDam SireOwnerClassificationCarrick Diamond Royale (ISH)[TIH]2020Carrick Diamond Lad (ISH)[TIH]Hopalong Cassidy (TB)Tom JonesPreliminary Approved (PA)PASSED STAGE 1Stallion NameYOBSireDam SireOwnerClassificationBaloucento VDL Z (ZANG)2023Baloubet Du Rouet (SF)Cento (HOLST)Kylemore StudStage 1 (ST1)HK Valhalla (ISH)2020El Barone 111 Z (ZANG)Z Wellie 72 (KWPN)Clare HughesStage 1 (ST1)Portlaoise Kraftsman (ISH)2021Kassander Vant Roosakker (BWP)Cruising (ISH)[TIH]David MolloyStage 1 (ST1)Taloni-Jei-VDL (KWPN)2023Baltic VDL (KWPN)Corland (HOLST)Kylemore StudStage 1 (ST1)Willowsway Kind Of Magic (AES)2020Freckleton Royal Affair (AES)Lostock King Of The Hill (SHBGB)Gerard KennedyStage 1 (ST1)CLASS 1 IRISH DRAUGHTSStallion NameYOBSireDam SireOwnerClassificationAbbeyward Zero2020Scrapman (IDC1)Attwood Black Laughton (IDC1)Tony DowneyCLASS 1 (C1)Barnacogue Hero2018Gortfree Hero (IDC1)Inisfree The Holy Grail (IDC1)Thomas DuffyCLASS 1 (C1)Birchill Sir Ivor2020Cloneyhea Spellbound (IDC1)Sir Rivie (IDC1)Maeve CartyCLASS 1 (C1)Carrafarm Courage2022Lionwood Kinsales Lad (IDC1)Crosstown Dancer (IDC1)Niamh GrimesCLASS 1 (C1) Clogher Echo2023Echo King (IDC1)Fast Silver (IDC1)Gabriel Slattery JnrCLASS 1 (C1) Coom View Legacy2022Moylough Legacy (IDC1)Fast Silver (IDC1)Sean OSullivanCLASS 1 (C1)Gweebarra Creed2021Millhollow Real MacCoy (IDC1)Blue Rajah (IDC1)Enda HamillCLASS 1 (C1)Lisnamore Bouncer2022Moylough Bouncer (IDC1)Huntingfield Rebel (IDC1)Gabriel BellCLASS 1 (C1)Mizen Man2021Mizen Gold (IDC2)Arthurs Gold (IDC2)Micel CollinsCLASS 1 (C1)Seans Supremacy2022Moylough Supremacy (IDC1)Clew Bay Bouncer (IDC1)Peter McHughCLASS 1 (C1)WRS The Black Cigar2022WRS Baby Guinness (IDC2)Prescott Diamond (IDC1)Cathal ShineCLASS 1 (C1)Horse Sport Irelands Stallion Selections are supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Equine Technical Support fund.The post 2026 Stallion Selections Results appeared first on .

The farrier is an integral part of maintaining your horses health and well-being. Their regular visits ensure your horses feet are kept in the best condition and help prevent lameness but are you doing things your farrier wishes you wouldnt? Are you making their job harder than it needs to be? Master Farrier Ben Benson AWCF explains five key things which you should stop doing to help your farrier out and enable them to do their work more effectively and efficiently. Dont oil your horses feet before the farrier arrivesWhether you intentionally decided to spruce your horse up and make a special effort for the farrier, or you rode your horse and you didnt think about it, oiling your horses hooves ahead of a visit from the farrier is a big no-no.Everything a farrier does is about your horses feet so it means that whatever is on them or in them ends up being on the farrier or their tools. Not only does everything end up being covered in hoof oil, but everything also sticks to it. A farriers rasp costs around 40 and lasts depending on the weather about a week. One oily, muddy horse can mean it lasts even less time.If your farrier hot shoes your horse when its covered in hoof oil, that oil gets evaporated which is unpleasant for the farrier. Dont present your horse with wet and dirty legsIf you want to win brownie points from your farrier, make sure when they arrive at your yard your horses legs are clean and dry and their rug is the same. The farrier spends most of his time working under your horse, so if they are wearing a wet, muddy rug that damp and dirt will be transferred onto them. Similarly, if your horse has wet, dirty legs the farriers clothes end up being damp and mucky from where theyve held the horses leg between their legs. The farrier spends all day in those clothes and they dont want to have wet and dirty jeans all day. They want to look professional when arriving at the next customer and be allowed into shops to buy their lunch!Just towel drying the horses legs and picking out their feet ahead of the farriers visit makes a massive difference to their job and the state of their clothes.Dont expect your horse to be shod in a wet, dirty and/or poorly lit environmentFarriers dont need a 1m yard with bespoke facilities, but what they do need is somewhere clean, dry and (preferably) flat, where the horse isnt stood in mud or water to shoe your horse.Working in a wet environment is a health and safety issue and can be dangerous, particularly if your horse is being hot shod. Wet environments also ruin a farriers tools. If the area you are asking the farrier to work in is wet or muddy, simply rolling out two rubber mats before the farrier arrives can transform the environment and work really well. The shoeing area needs to be large enough to allow access down both sides of the horse. The farrier must be able to walk down the side of a horse holding a hot shoe free from obstruction such as rugs hanging over doors, unless you want a new horseshoe logo melted into your rug.Good light is also essential. A farriers work is predominantly done underneath the horse so they need to be able to see what they are doing. Poor light can affect their ability to see the white line (which can be only one to two millimetres wide in some horses) and the small structures in the horses hoof where the nails are placed. If you cant clearly see in the stable or where you are expecting your farrier to work, its not good enough for them to shoe in.Dont use ill-fitting overreach bootsWhen a farrier asks you to use overreach boots, its because they want to avoid the hind foot standing on the heel of the front foot and pulling the shoe off.Many people buy overreach boots that only protect the bulbs of the heels, when in fact, what is needed is a slightly longer, deeper overreach boot that touches the ground at the back of the foot. Farriers commonly see the old-style bell boots with the spines on them being used but they dont protect the shoe as they sit a couple of inches off the ground. From a farriers perspective, the best overreach boots are slightly deeper, more warmblood-type boots. They sit lower, and theyre made of neoprene or a thick material. By having a boot that touches the ground at the back, it acts like a crumple zone instead of letting the toe grab the shoe and pull it off.Good, well-fitting overreach boots should be used as soon as theres some cut in the ground, or when the horse is lengthening, shortening, and collecting. Show jumping is an obvious example, as is hunting, eventing, cross-country, and even dressage. Any activity with changes in balance creates the opportunity for the horse to stand on itself. When the horse is turned out and galloping around, bucking and playing, thats another time when it may benefit from wearing overreach boots.Ultimately, a damaged or ripped overreach boot, as frustrating as it is, is saving you from a lost shoe. Lost shoes always seem to happen on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday when you have a competition or plans with your horse. A ripped boot saves you money, stress, and a sore horse.The secret is to have several different types of overreach boots: different makes, some with wool at the top, some plain neoprene, and to swap them regularly. Dont keep the same ones on all the time, because that can cause pressure sores where they rub.As soon as you take the boots off, wash them. Dont let mud build up inside the top, as that can irritate the horses skin. If youve got a horse with sensitive skin, keeping that area clean is especially important.Make sure the boots are in immaculate condition and have three or four pairs. Even boots of the same brand can fit slightly differently.Do offer them a drinkIts really important to offer your farrier a cup of tea or coffee! Their job is very physical with long hours and little or no breaks. Farriers go from playing tug-of-war, to hitting something with a hammer, to getting back in the van and driving to the next job and some of their hardest days are the dry yard days when everyone is busy. Having the chance to stop, drink a cup of tea, regroup, and refocus makes such a difference.We run a competition throughout the year called #FeedTheFarrier. We have different categories, including a professional category, and its surprising how competitive some of the groups get with their offerings of cakes, sausage rolls and bacon sandwiches. Engaging in#FeedTheFarrierreally does make a difference. Its amazing the improvement you can make to a farriers week, and even their day, just by offering them a cup of tea. Funnily enough, it also puts you right at the top of the emergency call-out list. If you make your farrier a cup of tea and a bacon sandwich, the moment you have a problem theyll be there in a flash, because youve looked after them. That goodwill makes a huge difference when youre on the other end of it. Its also important that bills are paid on time! Ask the expert Ben Benson Ben Benson AWCF is a UK-based Master Farrier specialising in high-performance and remedial farriery for elite sport horses. He has worked with leading riders, veterinary teams, and championship horses worldwide, including involvement at the last four Olympic Games, supporting equine soundness and performance at the highest level. Alongside clinical practice, he contributes to education, consultancy, and product development within the international farriery industry.Related contentWhy hooves crack and how to prevent itBruised soles: common signs and how to prevent it happeningThis is the difference between a farrier, blacksmith and equine podiatristHow to prevent and treat thrush in horsesBuying guide to over reach bootsThe post 5 things your horses farrier really wishes you wouldnt do appeared first on Your Horse.

On March 25, a 3-year-old Appaloosa gelding in Stettler County, Alberta, tested positive for strangles. The gelding developed clinical signs on Feb. 12, including mild nasal discharge and fever. His clinical signs resolved within 10 days, but guttural pouch lavage revealed continued abscesses with some purulent discharge.The horse is under voluntary quarantine, and his guttural pouches have been flushed.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.About StranglesStranglesin horses is an infection caused byStreptococcus equisubspeciesequiand spread through direct contact with other equids or contaminated surfaces. Horses that arent showing clinical signs can harbor and spread the bacteria, and recovered horses remain contagious for at least six weeks, with the potential to cause outbreaks long-term.Infected horses can exhibit a variety of clinical signs:FeverSwollen and/or abscessed lymph nodesNasal dischargeCoughing or wheezingMuscle swellingDifficulty swallowingVeterinarians diagnose horses using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing with either a nasal swab, wash, or an abscess sample, and they treat most cases based on clinical signs, implementing antibiotics for severe cases. Overuse of antibiotics can prevent an infected horse from developing immunity. Most horses make a full recovery in three to four weeks.A vaccine is available but not always effective. Biosecurity measures of quarantining new horses at a facility and maintaining high standards of hygiene and disinfecting surfaces can helplower the risk of outbreakorcontain one when it occurs.

According to the state veterinarian, a senior horse with neurologic signs at a boarding facility in Washington County, Rhode Island, was recently euthanized. The horse was sent for cremation with no testing conducted.A second horse that shared the same paddock developed milder signs. That horse tested positive for equine herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) by PCR. Its clinical signs have since resolved with supportive treatment.There are reportedly 40-plus horses at the boarding facility. No other horses are clinically affected. A state quarantine had been issued for the property.EDCC Health Watch is an Equine Network marketing program that utilizes information from the Equine Disease Communication Center (EDCC) to create and disseminate verified equine disease reports. TheEDCCis an independent nonprofit organization that is supported by industry donations in order to provide open access to infectious disease information.EHV 101Herpesvirus is highly contagious among horses and can cause a variety of ailments in equids, including rhinopneumonitis (a respiratory disease usually found in young horses), abortion in broodmares, and EHM.In many horses, the first or only sign of EHV-1 infection is fever, which can go undetected.In addition to fever, other common signs of EHV-1 infection in young horses include cough, decreased appetite, depression, and a nasal discharge. Pregnant mares typically show no signs of infection before they abort, and abortions usually occur late in gestation (around eight months) but can be earlier. Abortions can occur anywhere from two weeks to several months following infection with EHV-1.Horses with EHM usually have a fever at the onset of the disease and might show signs of a respiratory infection. A few days later, neurologic signs such as ataxia (incoordination), weakness or paralysis of the fore- and hind limbs, urine retention and dribbling, loss of tail tone, and recumbency (inability to rise) develop.Herpesvirus is easily spread by nose-to-nose or close contact with an infectious horse; sharing contaminated equipment including bits, buckets, and towels; or clothing, hands, or equipment of people who have recently had contact with an infectious horse.Routine biosecurity measures, including hygiene and basic cleaning and disinfection practices, should be in place at all times to help prevent disease spread.Current EHV-1 vaccines might reduce viral shedding but are not protective against the neurologic form of the disease. Implementing routine biosecurity practices is the best way to minimize viral spread, and the best method of disease control is disease prevention.

VetMotl, Inc. is introducing the VetMotl Sperm Separation Devices, its microfluidic sperm sample preparation technology for broad use across equine ART procedures, including AI and deep-horn AI, ICSI, and IVF. The device is designed to improve fertilization potential and support higher pregnancy rates by providing a consistent, high-quality sperm sample preparation for equine breeding programs.Using a microfluidic design that mimics aspects of the natural environment of the female reproductive tract, the VetMotl device passively separates healthy, progressively motile sperm from the original semen sample. This passive system supports reliable sample preparation from fresh, cooled, and frozen semen whilereducing handling steps.VetMotls approach focuses on functional sperm separation and standardized sample preparation. By allowing sperm to actively migrate into the collection chamber, the device enriches the prepared sample with sperm that demonstrate progressive motility and intact structurekey features associated with higher fertilization potential.This functional separation helps address a core challenge in equine reproduction: variability in sperm quality and its impact on downstream fertilization and embryo development. By improving the quality and consistency of the prepared sperm sample used for each procedure, veterinarians and breeders are better positioned to achievepredictable outcomes across ART workflows.Unlike conventional sperm preparation methods that can subject samples to repeated centrifugation and mechanical stress, VetMotls microfluidic system enables sperm to move passively into a collection chamber with minimal manipulation. This separation-based workflow improves the starting point for fertilization while helping to reduce variability between procedures and across semen types.The VetMotl veterinary technology is derived from the clinically validated ZyMt platform, widely used in human fertility clinics, and has been adapted specifically for use in equine reproductive practice. By translating a proven microfluidic separation approach from human medicine into the veterinary field, VetMotl aims to raise thestandard for sperm preparation and reproductive outcomes in horses.Were focused on helping veterinarians and breeders achieve more consistent outcomes by improving the starting point of every reproductive procedurethe quality of the prepared sperm sample, said Bill Sharp, CEO of VetMotl. By standardizing sperm separation and sample preparation, we can help drive betterfertilization and pregnancy outcomes across a wide range of equine reproductiveapplications.As the use of advanced reproductive technologies continues to grow in the equine industry, VetMotls evidence-based microfluidic separation platform offers a standardized method to support improved fertilization potential and overall reproductive efficiency.

This week Horsepal announced the launch of several new products designed to help riders better understand their horses health, fitness, and performance through real-time data and smart technology. The new additions expand the Horsepal ecosystem of connected devices and mobile app tools that give riders deeper insight into their horses condition both at rest and during work.The Horsepal system includes aHeart Rate Monitor and Training Belt,Equine Health Check Kit with extra-long digital thermometer, and a secureEnglish saddle phone holder, all designed to work seamlessly with the Horsepal mobile app. Together, these tools allow riders to monitor heart rate, track rides, analyze gait symmetry, and record important health metrics in one easy-to-use platform.By collecting and analyzing key data points such as heart rate, recovery rate, temperature, and environmental conditions, Horsepal helps riders make more informed decisions about training, conditioning, and overall horse wellness.Horsepal is also preparing to release upcoming app upgrades, including a personalized fitness test designed to establish a baseline for each individual horse, along with goal-based training insights that help riders track progress and tailor conditioning programs based on their horses specific needs.Horsepal is about giving your horse a voice, said Kim Kulers, global marketing director. By tracking real health and performance data, riders can spot changes earlier, train smarter, and better understand how their horse is responding to work.The Horsepal app allows riders to track rides, monitor multiple horses, review training history, and share data with trainers, veterinarians, or barn managers. The system also records factors such as temperature, humidity, and recovery trends to help riders identify patterns that may affect performance or health.Horsepal products are now available at Horsepal.com and will be officially celebrated at a launch party during the Kentucky Three-Day Event CCI5*, where Horsepal is a proud sponsor of the Safety & Wellness Arena from April 2326.

Photo: Adobe stockUnderstanding the difference between equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), and insulin dysregulation (ID) helps owners and veterinarians manage metabolic risk more effectively. Equine metabolic syndrome is a metabolic disorder often associated with obesity and insulin problems, while PPID is a hormonal disease of the pituitary gland that typically affects older horses. Insulin dysregulation refers specifically to abnormal insulin responses and can occur on its own or alongside conditions such as EMS or PPID, increasing the horses risk of laminitis. In this Ask TheHorse Live excerpt, Caitrin Lowndes, DVM, Dipl. ABVP, fellow at the University of Pennsylvanias New Bolton Center, in Kennett Square, explains the differences between EMS, PPID, and ID.This podcast is an excerpt of ourAsk TheHorse Live Q&A, Choosing the Right Supplement for Your Horse. Listen to thefull recording here.About the Expert: Caitrin Lowndes, DVMCaitrin Lowndes, DVM, is a research fellow at the Van Eps Laminitis and Endocrinology Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvanias New Bolton Center, in Kennett Square, with a background in field practice. Her main area of research is the improved diagnosis and management of insulin dysregulation, with particular interest in how that research can be translated into clinical practice for the treatment and prevention of laminitis.